Senior GNC Modeling & Simulation Engineer
Location: Washington, DC (On-site / Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
An innovative space technology company is looking for a GNC Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support the development of next-generation spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control systems.
This role focuses on building high-fidelity spacecraft simulations, evaluating system performance, supporting hardware and software testing, and developing the simulation environment that underpins advanced spacecraft control systems.
You'll work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop simulation models, analyse mission performance, support software integration, and contribute to cutting-edge spacecraft technologies used in commercial and government missions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain high-fidelity 6-DOF spacecraft simulation models using MATLAB and Simulink.
- Model spacecraft dynamics, environmental disturbances, sensors, and actuators.
- Perform mission performance analysis for spacecraft pointing, attitude control, rendezvous and proximity operations, and other mission scenarios.
- Support Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) testing activities.
- Analyse simulation results, identify performance limitations, and recommend improvements.
- Develop automation tools for Monte Carlo analysis, batch simulations, and post-processing.
- Collaborate closely with GNC, software, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams throughout development.
- Produce technical documentation and customer-facing analysis reports.
- Support proposal work and customer studies through rapid modelling and performance analysis.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- 2-5+ years of professional engineering experience in simulation or controls.
- Strong MATLAB and Simulink experience, including developing complex simulation models.
- Experience building or modifying 6-DOF vehicle simulations.
- Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics and attitude representations, including quaternions, rotation matrices, and Euler angles.
- Experience scripting simulation workflows using MATLAB, Python, or similar languages.
- Strong analytical and technical communication skills.
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident (ITAR/EAR requirements).
Preferred Qualifications
- Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) experience.
- Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicles, robotics, autonomous systems, aircraft, or other dynamic vehicle simulation.
- Experience with attitude estimation techniques such as Kalman Filters, MEKF, or complementary filters.
- Familiarity with C/C++ generated from Simulink models.
- Experience with SIL/MIL test environments.
- Knowledge of modern control theory including LQR, MPC, or robust control methods.
- Experience with mission analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, or FreeFlyer.
- Previous experience supporting commercial space, defence, or government-funded programmes.
What You'll Receive
- Competitive base salary.
- Equity opportunity.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.
- 401(k) with employer contribution.
- Paid vacation and holidays.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- Opportunity to work on advanced spacecraft technologies supporting commercial and national security missions.